If you’re looking to impress everyone at your table (and maybe win a few fans forever), Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is the dish that delivers. Imagine perfectly juicy chicken—crackly and golden on the outside—drenched in a sticky, sweet-meets-fiery hot honey sauce. With the tang of buttermilk, a whisper of heat, and that unbeatable crunch, this is a fried chicken recipe that’s both comforting and wildly craveable. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home, and tastes way more special than takeout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to outrageously good Crispy Hot Honey Chicken. Each item adds something unique, from tenderness to that lovely bronzed crust or the sweet and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless cuts for quick cooking and maximum juiciness; thighs offer extra richness if you love dark meat.
- Buttermilk: This keeps your chicken incredibly tender and juicy while giving the coating something to cling to.
- Hot sauce: Adds a gentle, tangy heat to both the marinade and the sauce; adjust to your spice preference.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crunchy coating, giving every bite that classic fried chicken texture.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the breading bakes up ultra-light, crispy, and shatteringly crisp.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and a hint of warmth to the crust.
- Paprika: For gentle aroma and that tempting golden hue.
- Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors (don’t skip!).
- Black pepper: Rounds out the spice in both the crust and the sauce.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Opt for a high smoke point oil like canola, peanut, or sunflower; they guarantee crispiness without lingering flavors.
- Honey: The star of the irresistible hot honey drizzle; choose a good-quality honey for real flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Brings the “fire” in your hot honey—use more or less to control the burn.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the final sauce so it’s not too sweet.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken pieces to even thickness—this ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, then submerge the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated with that tangy, spicy bath. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, overnight in the fridge is pure magic (and more flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates the signature crunch and a beautiful golden crust that makes Crispy Hot Honey Chicken stand out. Take your marinated chicken out, shake off excess liquid, and press it firmly into the flour mixture until every inch is coated—don’t skimp here! A thick, even coating means extra crunch.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour 1–2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing each piece to cook properly and become beautifully crisp. Fry for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) inside. Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil while you work on that irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken cools slightly, add the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring just until everything is melted together and aromatic. Taste and adjust the level of hot sauce to your liking. This luscious drizzle turns your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken from delicious to spectacular.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Place the fried chicken on a platter, then liberally spoon or drizzle the hot honey sauce over every piece so it glistens. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crunchy and the glaze is warm and sticky. Prepare for happy faces all around!
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken
Garnishes
Scatter a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Want to really add some flair? A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes or a few bread-and-butter pickle slices brings just the right pop of acidity and crunch.
Side Dishes
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy homemade biscuits, or a zesty slaw for contrast. Even simple steamed green beans or a mixed green salad will be welcome alongside this flavor-packed entree.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the chicken onto a wooden board for a casual, shareable family style meal. For parties, slice the fried chicken and nestle it into slider buns with a slather of coleslaw. Or serve over fluffy Belgian waffles, drizzled with extra hot honey sauce for a restaurant-style brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crispy Hot Honey Chicken cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing the sauce separately will help preserve the crispiness of the coating.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the fully cooled, fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. The chicken will keep its best texture for up to a month—just freeze the sauce separately in a small container.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crunchy, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. Warm the hot honey sauce on the stove or in the microwave, then drizzle it on just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders or wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders or wings work just as beautifully with the marinade, dredge, and sauce. Adjust the frying time as needed since smaller pieces will cook more quickly.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade version will give you the same tang and tenderness.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You’re totally in control! Simply use less hot sauce and fewer red pepper flakes in the sauce for a milder result, or dial them up if you love spicy food. Taste as you go for your ideal balance.
Why is cornstarch added to the coating?
Cornstarch is the secret to a lighter, crunchier crust. It helps absorb any surface moisture from the marinade and fries up extra crisp—especially important for mouthwatering Crispy Hot Honey Chicken.
Can I make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken gluten free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten free blend, and be sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten free. The results are just as delicious, with all that addictive crispiness.
Final Thoughts
If you love fried chicken and crave a bit of heat with every bite, give Crispy Hot Honey Chicken a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or party platters, fun to make, and dangerously good. You might just make this your new signature dish—so roll up your sleeves, and let’s get frying!
Print
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy fried chicken coated in a crunchy seasoned crust and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Pound chicken: Pound chicken to even thickness if needed.
- Marinate: Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Prepare coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Fry chicken: Heat vegetable oil, dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, and fry until golden brown.
- Make hot honey sauce: Warm honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar in a saucepan.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle hot honey sauce over crispy chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or slaw.
- Adjust heat level in sauce to taste.
- Recipe works well with chicken tenders or wings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
